Minnesota Vikings legend Jeff Siemon has died at the age of 75, the team has announced.
Siemon, a four-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker who spent over a decade in Minnesota, passed away Saturday. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The former No. 10 draft pick recorded the third most tackles in Vikings history (1,375) over the course of his 11 seasons with the team and started three Super Bowls.
He was first chosen to play in the Pro Bowl following the 1973 season, before earning three consecutive selections from 1975-77.
Long after his NFL career came to a close, Siemon was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings as part of Minnesota’s 50 season celebration in 2010.
Tributes have poured in for the Minnesota icon, including from former teammate and fellow 50 Greatest Vikings member Ahmad Rashad, who hailed him as a ‘consummate professional and one of the best linebackers to ever play the game.’
Minnesota Vikings legend Jeff Siemon has died at the age of 75, the team has announced
Siemon, a four-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, spent over a decade with the Vikings
‘His work ethic was absolutely tremendous,’ Rashad added upon hearing the news. ‘And above it all, he is one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.’
Siemon, who lived his Christian faith during and after his career, coordinated team chapel sessions on Saturday evenings before games, the Vikings said.
He leaves behind wife Dawn and their four children, including former women’s college basketball player and coach Kelley Siemon Deyo.
‘Jeff was a great teammate — a leader for us on the field and a really good linebacker. He was key to our teams,’ said Bobby Bryant, another ex-teammate and Vikings great.
‘As good of a player that Jeff was, he was a better person — truly one of the best guys we had. You never heard anyone speak cross of Jeff. His faith was his guide, and he was not afraid to share it with people. He touched so many.’